Ben Garland granted release from Air Force

Douglas LeeApr 20, 2012 7:30 PM

Grand Junction native Ben Garland is back with the Broncos after receiving an early release from his Air Force commitment. The 24-year-old defensive tackle was originally signed by Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and tallied six tackles that preseason before being placed on the Reserve/Military list.

During his time at the Air Force Academy, Garland started 34 of the 39 games he played and accumulated 115 tackles and 11.5 sacks while forcing three fumbles and blocking two kicks.

Two years away from the game won't help his cause, but Denver's lack of depth at DT may give Garland a legitimate chance at making the team. Denver recently brought back veteran Justin Bannan and cut the suspended Ryan McBean, while Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson are trying to return from season-ending injuries. Marcus Thomas is a UFA seeking a longer deal than the Broncos are offering him, while the only other young tackles on the roster are Garland's fellow Coloradoan Mitch Unrein and two players signed to future contracts - Jeremy Jarmon and Sealver Siliga.

Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM

This is great news! IMO Garland will regain quite a bit of his skill level by TC - enough to make the team as a DE. He might be similar to Ayers in that he can play inside on some downs.

This is a little like a middle draft pick.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-04-21 20:42:44

When you meet an ex-military man who's gone through that kind of training and shown that he's a fierce, dedicated, focused, positive, team-player who's also an attacking defensive athlete and had success at the college level, and that man wants to find a position with your organization, you try hard to find him a slot. David Robinson, Rodger Staubach...Steve Belichick, Bill's father and a great mind in scouting understood this. He settled at Annapolis greatly for the privilege of coaching that kind of man.

These are athletes who live a daily training schedule in academics and required courses that would crush most people intellectually and physically. Then, they play football for fun - it's often their only release from their level of training stress. By that nature, these schools (Air Force Academy, West Point, Annapolis) graduate the best in our nation: physically, mentally, and with regard to skills in focus and team work.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-04-21 17:29:51

Some of the support for Garland appears Tebow-esque considering he's yet to play, but, despite that, my feeling is that he has real potential. I'm not concerned with his weight but it does raise the issue of where he'd play. Although it often goes unmentioned, DE is a position where we could add depth -- particularly anyone who could add pass rushing ability, which may not describe Garland. However, his size seems perfect for that position. Moreover, concerns over his weight could be misplaced, since his speed would be the area of concern if we move him to DE.

During the course of the last few years, the DT position has become a trope for our deficiencies in run defense. I'm no less concerned than anyone else about this weakness but I haven't narrowed my focus to the point where DT has become an idee fixe (i.e., obsessive idea). Garland may be best suited for the interior, but he may be best suited to another position, too. I'm merely raising the issue now, since his usage is now a concrete issue rather than a symbolic attachment.

Posted by colinski2 on 2012-04-21 16:10:26

So psyched to get this guy back in the fold!

Posted by broncosmontana on 2012-04-21 03:54:54

Cmon fella. Get fat.

Posted by B Scott on 2012-04-20 22:56:11

6'5 275? Hmmmmm.

Posted by B Scott on 2012-04-20 22:55:22

I remember Garland as being regarded as agressive, high motor and worth obtaining the rights to in spite of the military obligation.However, i don't remember if he was regarded as best suited at NT, UT, or DE. His size and weight would indicate that DE might be his best spot. However, I'd also assume that, after two years, his weight either has changed or could increase, given the size of his frame. Is there better information about him available - and where?I have this niggle that the FO knew more about him than was generally available and that they liked what they knew.